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Welcome
SFS welcomes a diverse student body and students come to us with a broad spectrum of backgrounds and experiences. In keeping with our interdisciplinary approach to environmental problem solving, we strive to build teams that represent a cross-section of the global student body, including liberal arts, science, and economics majors.
When to Apply
SFS reviews applications on a rolling basis, beginning approximately one year before the session begins. While there is no admissions deadline for semester programs, we encourage students to apply early to ensure admission to their program of choice. Semester students should check with their home institution regarding school-specific deadlines. Decisions are generally available within two to four weeks of the date when your application becomes complete. Review cannot begin until all application materials have been received.
Before You Apply
The SFS program will likely be very different from your traditional academic experience and traditional study abroad program. Before applying, be sure to read the program components and relevant information. To apply for admission, please review and follow the Applicant Procedures below. We recommend that you save a link to (or print) this page for your future reference. Please contact the SFS Admissions Office if you have any questions. Call 800.989.4418 or e-mail admissions@fieldstudies.org.
Applicant Procedures:
1. Review the following admission pre-requisites and policies to confirm eligibility:
Applicants for semester programs:
- Must be at least 18 years of age, in good academic standing, have completed at least one college-level ecology or biology course, and one semester of college prior to the start of the program. Gap year students are welcome to apply. For more details please contact the Admissions Office.
- Costa Rica applicants must have completed a college-level course in ecology or environmental studies. Students must have one college-level course in Spanish or otherwise demonstrate a working knowledge of conversational Spanish prior to participation.
- All applicants are encouraged to have taken coursework in international development, economics, statistics or anthropology.
Applicants for summer programs:
- Must be at least 16 years of age, in good academic standing, and have completed at least their junior year of high school prior to the start of the program.
*Applicants for the summer Field Practicum in Public Health and Environment in Kenya are graduates with MPH/Nursing or other health sciences program with related coursework. Junior or Senior year undergraduates with relevant coursework as well as public health and/or international experience are encouraged to apply
2. Check with your home school for their requirements and deadlines.
3. Before you begin filling out your application, we suggest that you collect the following information. If you are under 18 years of age, you must have a parent or guardian sign your application.
-Names of the individuals who will complete your SFS reference forms
-Courses you intend to use to fulfill SFS prerequisite requirements (if applicable)
-Credit card information (for application fee)
4. Complete online application or download the .pdf of the application for printing
5. Pay non-refundable application fee of $45 (credit card number required for online application). If paying by check please send to:
Rosalind Slawson
The School Field Studies
10 Federal Street, Suite 24
Salem, MA 01970-3876
6. Current, Official Transcripts from all schools attended. It is not necessary for college students to submit high school transcripts after a full academic year of college coursework has been completed.
7. Submit two references (hardcopies only - not part of online process):
- SFS Academic Reference completed by a teacher, professor or academic advisor who is well acquainted with your current academic performance.
- SFS Character Reference completed by someone who knows you well, such as an academic source, a job supervisor, volunteer advisor, athletic coach, etc. It is not appropriate for this reference to be completed by a relative, peer, or family friend.
8. Participation Approval Form (hardcopy only - not part of online process): obtain approval from your institution's study abroad office (not required for Public Health program applicants). If you attend one of SFS’ Affiliate Institutions, the form must be completed by the designated Affiliate representative. A list of Affiliate institutions and representatives can be found on the SFS website or in this catalog.
Once an application is received by SFS, an admissions counselor will contact you confirming the receipt of your application. If your application is incomplete, the counselor will indicate which materials are needed. SFS only reviews complete applications. Once complete, review takes 2-4 weeks. You will also be sent information on completing the Medical Approval Process and the Financial Aid Application after acceptance.
Send supporting documents (References, Transcripts, Particpation Approval Form) to:
Admissions
The School for Field Studies
10 Federal Street, Suite 24
Salem, MA 01970-3876
P: 800.989.4418
F: 978.741.3551
Important: SFS requires students to have a valid passport for travel to all program locations. Your passport must be valid for a minimum of six months following completion of your program. If you do not currently have a valid passport or if your passport will expire before the required time, you should immediately begin to apply for a passport through the U.S. Department of State at http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html. Passport processing times can be lengthy so you should begin this process as early as possible, even if you have not yet been admitted to an SFS program.
After You Apply
Once an application is received, you will be contacted by email with information about any missing materials. If your application is incomplete, it is your responsibility to follow up on any missing materials. SFS is unable to begin the application review process until all necessary materials are received. To expedite the completion of your application, we suggest that you submit all of your application materials together. Once your application is complete, we will contact qualified candidates to schedule a short, informal phone interview. Admissions decisions are generally available within two to four weeks of completing your application. You should apply early to allow sufficient time for your application to be processed. Please note that final acceptance to all programs is contingent upon medical approval. If you would like to check the status of your application materials received by SFS, please refer to the SFS website to the "Track Your Application."
Medical Approval Process
All acceptances are contingent upon medical approval. You must submit an online medical review form and an SFS physical examination and authorization form signed by a qualified medical professional, within two weeks of acceptance. Students with late medical forms may forfeit their space on a program. All medical forms will be reviewed by the SFS safety director. You must be able to meet the physical challenges presented by SFS programs without undue risk to yourself or others. Academically qualified individuals may be disqualified from participating on medical grounds. You will not be allowed to join an SFS program without proof of current medical insurance.
Disability Information
Students with disabilities are welcome on SFS programs. However, students with disabilities requesting accommodations are responsible for notifying the SFS safety director of physical disabilities and the SFS program dean of learning disabilities. Notification of disability must be made in writing and submitted within one week of acceptance. Please be aware that the level of accessibility, services, and accommodations to which you may have access at your home campus may not be available overseas. Please refer to the appropriate SFS academic handbook for more information, or call us at 800.989.4418 for further assistance.
Dietary Restrictions
If you have any special dietary restrictions, please contact the SFS safety director within one week of acceptance and document the restrictions on your online medical review form. Students with dietary preferences (vegetarian, vegan, etc.) should discuss these with their admissions counselor.
Non-discrimination Policy
SFS admits students of any sex, religion, race, color, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, or economic status to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students of SFS and does not discriminate on the basis of sex, religion, race, color, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, physical or mental disability, or other protected status in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship loan programs, and other School-administered programs. SFS is an equal opportunity institution.
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